Chapter 16: The Mastermind—Imperial Grand Perfumer?

Bai Huan continued, “May I ask at what time the stewards of the Imperial Food Bureau are on duty? I wish to invite both the Food Bureau and physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau to confer together, and to review the pulse records and the logs of medicines and meals from recent days.”

“The Food Bureau and the Medical Bureau always have someone on duty, but the female officials of the Food Bureau and the Palace Steward begin their shifts at the hour of Yin. At the hour of Chen, I will arrange for them to be summoned.”

Hearing this, Bai Huan felt reassured.

Only by investigating, one by one, those who might have framed her father, could she truly clear his name.

Quietly, Bai Huan took out a filigreed green sandalwood sachet, inlaid with gilded floral patterns, and placed it in Zhi Yuan’s hand.

She spoke softly, “Aunt Zhi, you have worked tirelessly through the night. I see shadows beneath your eyes. If you tie this sachet by your bed, and add it to your pillow, it will help you sleep soundly. Even if you only rest for an hour, you will awaken refreshed.”

As the Chief Stewardess by the Consort’s side, Zhi Yuan’s daily comforts surpassed those of any highborn lady. She instantly recognized the rarity of the green sandalwood, noted its delicate aroma, and realized the sachet was filled with the very same ‘Pear in the Boudoir’ incense pills favored by the Consort herself. The blending of these fragrances was even more soothing than the incense burned for the Imperial Consort.

“I can change the formula each month according to your complexion,” Bai Huan added.

Zhi Yuan had already been delighted by the new pillow. Now, with this treasure in hand, she could not hide her smile. “This is far too precious.”

For women, nothing is more vital than sleep.

No matter how stunning a woman might be, prolonged insomnia or poor rest would soon strip away beauty and resilience.

“To ordinary folk, this trinket would indeed be quite dear—no amount of silver could buy it. The rare part is the green sandalwood ball. My father and I chanced upon it while seeking spices in the Western Regions. The wood is precious, the craftsmanship exquisite. I bought only two—one for my mother, and one for you, Aunt. You alone are worthy of it.”

For half a month, the Imperial Consort had suffered sleeplessness. As the chief stewardess, Zhi Yuan bore the greatest burden.

Her father had taught her: gifts must show thought and care, must speak to the heart, to be meaningful.

As the person closest to the Consort, Zhi Yuan had seen countless treasures. Silver and gold, while useful, came far too easily to one of her status. Only something rare, and of immediate benefit, could truly appeal to her.

Zhi Yuan found the girl’s thoughtfulness overwhelming—a warmth of being cared for so attentively. Grasping Bai Huan’s hand, she said gently, “Thank you, dear child.”

Bai Huan lowered her voice, “You once saved me, Aunt Zhi. I am of little ability, and can only repay you with these humble gifts.”

Zhi Yuan smiled, “Go and bathe, don’t delay.”

Obediently, Bai Huan did as she was told.

If she hoped to uncover the truth about her father, she would have to find an opening among the palace maids. Any hint of goodwill, she would seize upon to build connections.

Bai Huan bathed, changed into a new ruqun provided by Zhi Yuan, and prepared to make incense, not minding the presence of the two palace maids.

The two maids had very different attitudes. The round-faced one diligently assisted her, while the other stood aloof, arms crossed, as if waiting to be entertained.

Bai Huan had no time for their silent skirmish. Both the ‘Sedate and Lingering’ and ‘Pear in the Boudoir’ incense pills were finished products—the real secrets lay in their formulas and proportions, not in the process. Simply watching would teach nothing. As for the ritual of burning incense, some pursued the artful dance of smoke and the creation of ethereal ambiance—mere showmanship, in Bai Huan’s eyes, without substance. She had no need to conceal her methods.

She placed the blended incense in a white dish, lit a peach blossom candle, and set it below the censer.

“It’s ready,” Bai Huan announced, standing up. “Should I deliver it, or will you take it in?”

The round-faced maid was about to speak, but the aloof one cut her off, “Since Miss Bai prepared the incense, she should deliver it herself. Such merit is not for us to claim.”

The hour of Chou had arrived. Bai Huan picked up the censer and left.

“Look at her, so pleased with herself, as if she’s above us all,” the haughty one sneered.

“Hush, Sister Yulu, she’s not far off yet,” the round-faced one cautioned.

“What of it? Both of us were carefully selected by the Bureau of Attendants, passing with distinction to serve at the Chaohua Hall. Our tutor is none other than the Chief Incense Mistress herself, the only female Grand Incense Master in Tian Sheng. Do you think some merchant’s daughter could outshine her? It’s all just smoke and mirrors.”

Yuzhu felt awkward—her companion had spoken so loudly, Bai Huan surely heard, yet the girl walked away without the slightest hesitation, as if she hadn’t.

Yulu looked down on Yuzhu for her timidity, huffed, “We’ve waited all night for her—I’m exhausted. I’m not serving any longer,” and flounced away.

Yuzhu hurried after, “Sister Yulu, if Aunt Zhi asks after us, it won’t look good. We’re all working for the Consort’s well-being.”

Yulu shook off her hand. “You really think she’s kind? She had Aunt Jing and the two matrons sent to the Palace Correction Office as soon as she arrived. No one comes out of there unscathed. She’s ruthless. You’d be wise to keep your distance—who knows what trouble she’s planning!”

Left with no choice, Yuzhu turned back toward the inner hall.

When Zhi Yuan saw Bai Huan bringing the censer herself, she pointed to a small table by the couch, indicating where to place it.

Bai Huan obeyed, taking a quick glance at the sleeping form within the curtains—she noted the pillow had been changed.

She looked at the Consort, who now slept soundly.

Bai Huan pressed her lips together, letting out a silent sigh of relief.

If the Consort could sleep even half the night, then later, with a gentler incense, she would wake refreshed.

Yuzhu entered behind her. Zhi Yuan gestured for her to keep watch, then drew Bai Huan outside to the railings.

In a low voice, she said, “When Physician Zheng returned, he explained your father’s situation. I have already arranged for a skilled bone-setting physician from the Medical Bureau to visit your family at dawn. You may rest assured.”

Bai Huan’s eyes grew moist as she bowed deeply, “Thank you, Aunt Zhi. You are truly a good person.”

Such small acts of kindness have their own rewards.

People are, after all, motivated by interests.

Zhi Yuan supported her by the elbow. “No need for such ceremony. We all have our burdens—helping each other is only right.”

“You mentioned needing to make new incense pills for the Consort. Will you do this at home or here in the palace?”

“I’ve brought all the ingredients for tomorrow’s incense. I will prepare the pills shortly. After consulting with the physicians and the Food Bureau tomorrow, I’ll work out the best treatment plan and then return home to make more incense. The palace lacks the proper utensils, and some ingredients and dosages will require repeated testing.”

Zhi Yuan was reassured by her thoroughness. “Then you won’t sleep at all tonight?”

“It’s nothing. Only if the Consort recovers will my family be safe.”

Zhi Yuan understood her intentions. “Very well. I’ll have Yuzhu help you—she herself once served in the incense quarters, and after being chosen for the palace, she trained in incense making and burning. Yulu is the foster daughter of the Grand Incense Mistress and the chief stewardess of the Bureau of Attendants. Her temperament is proud; you’ll have to be patient with her.”

“I understand.”

Grand Incense Mistress?

Bai Huan was slightly surprised.

Tian Sheng’s system for ranking artisans was rigorously managed by the Ministry of Works. Each year, there was a grading examination, and artisans were classified as ‘Master,’ ‘Teacher,’ ‘Craftsman,’ or ‘Worker.’ Some artisans were officially registered and served in the palace or various ministries, receiving stipends.

Her father was a Master, the highest rank in incense making, and was respectfully addressed as Master Bai.

Throughout Tian Sheng, only six had been officially recognized by the Ministry of Works as Masters. Of these, four were heads of the great incense-making families; the other two included the head of the Mystic Sect and a mysterious wanderer known for traveling the world.

To her knowledge, there were only twenty ranked as Teachers.

Yet by the laws of Tian Sheng, women were not permitted to participate in the grading examination—so this female Grand Incense Mistress must have received her title by imperial decree.